Councillors in the Midlands province demanded cars from the government as well as an upward review of their allowances when the travel on council business. They want their working conditions to be at par with members of parliament since both are elected representatives who serve for five years. These demands were presented to the minister of Local Government July Moyo. during a councillors induction workshop on Monday. In response, minister Moyo said
If councils make revenue that leaves them within the 30:70 ratio of salaries and service delivery after all their demands have been effected, there will be no problem at all. So my advice is that expand your revenue bases then we can approve your demands. MPs also cover bigger areas than just a single ward, and so that is why they are given cars, but if your revenues improve, we can relook into that.
More: Newsday